PLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN, AK

Overview

Plotnikof Lake Cabin is located on Baranof Island within the South Baranof Wilderness Area, 45 air miles southeast of Sitka, Alaska. The wood cabin is generally available mid-June to October and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska.

This is a remote site. The cabin can be accessed by floatplane only, weather permitting. From Sitka, it's 40-minute plane ride, then a 100-foot walk to the cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.

Natural Features:

The cabin lies near the north end of narrow, 4-mile long Plotnikof Lake on Baranof Island at an elevation of 275 feet. The cabin sits 100 feet back from the shore, on a narrow path lined with dense thickets of shoulder-height brush and berries. Large old-growth spruce and hemlock trees surround the cabin.

The area offers wilderness solitude and beauty. The view from the cabin includes waterfalls cascading from steep granite slopes that rise to snow-capped ridges. Brown bear frequent the area.

Recreation:

Plotnikof Lake and its inlet stream on the north shore offer fair rainbow trout fishing. Steelhead runs occur from mid-May to early June on the outlet stream on south shore; coho salmon from late August through September.

The 1.2-mile Davidof Lake Trail begins behind the cabin, ending at an outlet stream on Davidof Lake. The trail is not maintained and can be difficult to find.

Hunters willing to walk some distance from cabin will find good deer hunting in the surrounding area. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

Facilities:

The 12 x 14-ft wood, Pan abode-style cabin can accommodate up to six people. It offers two double plywood bunks and two single plywood bunks. Amenities include an oil stove for heat, a table with benches, a cooking counter, broom, axe or splitting maul, outdoor screened cooler box and an outhouse toilet.

The cabin does not include heating oil, mattresses or cooking utensils. Visitors should bring #1 diesel oil (generally 10 gallons for a three-day stay, more of less depending on the time of year), sleeping bags and pads, a cooking stove, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, a lantern, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Rain gear and boots are recommended. Firewood is not provided for campfires; gather dead and down wood.

Water is available from the lake or a nearby inlet stream, but must be treated before using. It's recommended that visitors bring their own water.

A small skiff with oars is provided. A 2-10 HP long-shaft outboard motor enhances use of the skiff, but is not provided. Bring personal flotation devices (PFDs). Be sure plug is in before launching boat. Tie skiff well up on shore and pull plug before leaving so boat does not fill with rain water.

Activities and Amenities

This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)

Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather

Cabin is located in a designated Wilderness area; access by helicopter is illegal

Cabin may be inaccessible from November through early June due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land); please contact the local Forest Service Ranger District office for current information prior to making reservations during this period

Cabin is not maintained in winter; firewood may be scarce

Carry stove oil in FAA-approved container or jerry jug in a non-tip box

Boil or treat stream water before drinking

All garbage and food must be packed out

For boat or air charters, contact the Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau at 907-747-5940 oronline

Getting There:

Accessible early June through October. This cabin is located 45 miles southeast of Sitka, 4 miles east of Whale Bay, on the south-central part of Baranof Island. Access by floatplane is 40 minutes from Sitka.